Assembling apparatus for linecasting machines



K. DEBUS Sept. 27, 1966 ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINEGASTING MACHINESFiled Feb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR m 5 D8611! Aim- P 1966 K.DEBUS 3,275,127

ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1965 6Sheets-Sheet 2 F/GJa.

K. DEBUS Sept. 27, 1966 ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINESFiled Feb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 NVENTOR K [541/ Dlhr ATTORNEY K.DEBUS Sept. 27, 1966 ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES FiledFeb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 4.

INVENTOR 5 ar 5 D aim! Sept. 27, 1966 K DEBUS 3,275,127

ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES 6 $heets-Sheet 5 FiledFeb. 16, 1965 F/G 4a am K INVENTOR i'LYLf/ 0: our

Sept. 27, 1966 K. DEBUS 3,275,127

ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1965 6Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,275,127 ASSEMBLINGAPPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Karl Debus, Bad Homburg vor der Hohe,Germany, as-

signor to Linotype G.m.b.H., Frankfurt am Main, Germany Filed Feb. 16,1965, Ser. No. 433,025 20 Claims. (Cl. 199-41) The present inventionrelates to assembling apparatus for linecasting machines, and moreparticularly to assembling apparatus for assembling rows of matricescontaining regular and large matrices.

In known linecasting machines, matrices are supplied from magazines overa chute to a rotary star wheel which places each matrix in the correctposition on the assembler slide so that a row of matrices isprogressively formed. The first matrix of the line is placed adjacentthe so-called assembler finger, and as the row of matrices is assembledbetween the assembler finger and the star wheel, the assembler fingerand the assembler slide are pushed in an assembling direction so thatthe assembler finger moves away from the star wheel against the actionof a spring or weight.

When larger than regular matrices are assembled in this manner,disturbances occur in the assembling operation due to the fact thatbetween the assemblerfinger, or the last assembled matrix, and the starwheel, insuflicient space for a larger matrix remains. As a result, alarge matrix is not properly engaged by the star wheel, and is notassembled in vertical position on the assembler slide, but remains inthe region of the star wheel and is jammed.

It is one object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantagesof known assembling apparatus for linecasting machines, and to providean assembling apparatus in which regular and large matrices can beassembled without disturbances.

Another object of the invention is to provide an assembling apparatus inwhich the space available on the assembler slide for the insertion of amatrix is increased when a large matrix is to be assembled on theassembler slide.

Another object of the invention is to provide means acting on theassembler slide for moving the assembler cfinger away from the starwheel when a large matrix is supplied to the same.

Another object of the invention is to move the assembler finger awayfrom the star wheel when a key causing the supply of the large matrix tothe star wheel is operated.

Another object of the invention is to permit the movement of theassembler finger away from the star wheel only if a magazine storinglarge matrices is placed in a position for supplying large matrices tothe star wheel.

With these objects in view, the present invention relates to animprovement of the assembling apparatus of a linecasting machine. Oneembodiment of the invention comprises an assembler slide having anabutment, such as the conventional assembler finger, and being mountedon a support for movement in an assembling direction; transportingmeans, such as a conventional star wheel, disposed so that a portion ofthe assembler slide is located between the assembler finger and the starwheel; and auxiliary spacing means for moving the assembler slide in theassembling direction. The star wheel is driven and rotated tosuccessively assemble regular matrices on the portion of the slide whichis located between the assembler finger and the star wheel. The firstmatrix is disposed adjacent the assembler finger, and the followingmatrices are successively assembled in a row so that .the slide isstepwise moved in the'assembling direction by the pressure exerted bythe star w-heel through the assembled matrices 3,275,127 Patented Sept.27, 1966 on the assembler finger. The steps correspond to the thicknessof regular matrices and space hands.

When the auxiliary spacing means move the slide further in theassembling direction, the assembler finger is moved away firom the starwheel a distance greater than the length of the steps made by theoperation of the star wheel so that additional space for large matricesis provided.

The auxiliary spacing means are actuated upon the release of a largematrix from the magazines of the linec-asting machine.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, operating means include at-urnable lever having an engaging portion located between the starwheel and the assembler finger and constituting the auxiliary spacingmeans. The lever is moved by electromagnetic means between a normalinoperative position located directly adjacent the star Wheel andpreferably in a peripheral annular groove of the same, and an actuatingposition engaging the assembler finger or the last assembled matrix forpushing the same with the slide in the assembling direction a large stepso that the assembler finger moves away from the star wheel to provideadditional space for a larger matrix.

This construction of the operating mean-s is extremely simple, and hasthe advantage that it can be added as a unit to an existent linecastingmachine without any difiiculty.

The arrangement in which the engaging portion of the spacing lever islocated in a peripheral groove of the star wheel, has the advantage thatthe engaging portion engages the last assembled matrix in such aposition that the same cannot tilt while transmitting pressure throughthe previously assembled matrices to the assembler finger.

Linecasting machines are provided with a keyboard in which certain keysare associated with the release of large matrices from magazines storinglarge matrices. *In accordance with the present invention, therespective keys or corresponding members for selecting matrices, actuateand close a switch connected in series with the electromagnetic meanswhich actuate the auxiliary spacing lever with its engaging portion.Consequently, when the operator actuates a key associated with a largematrix, the slide and the assembler finger are pushed back to provideadditional space for the large matrix which is sup! plied to the starwheel and placed by the same on the assembler slide.

It is advantageous to use the short actuating members which in standardline casting machines are provided for controlling the release of thematrices, for the purpose of actuating the switches, and this isaccomplished by substituting special actuating members for standardactuating members operated by the keys associated with large matrices.The special actuating members have projections for operating the switch,and can be substituted for the standard actuating members whenadaptation of the respective keys for the control of large matrices isdesired. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, since anexistent linecasting machine can be easily adapted to in.- corporate theconstruction of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the additional movement ofthe assembler slide is made dependent on the position of the supplymagazines so that the electromagnetic means is only actuated when a magazine storing large matrices is located in a position for discharging alarge matrix into the chute which leads to the star wheel. A cam meansis connected to the mov-' able supply means, and operates a cam followerwhich controls a switch connected in series with the switch operated bythe keys, so that the electromagnetic means is only energized if thesupply magazines are in the position for supplying a large matrix, and akey is actuated which causes release of a matrix from the respectivesupply magazine. This arrangement is particularly advantageous forlinecasting machines in which in addition to large matrices, alsospecial matrices are assembled. The novel features which are consideredas characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in theappended claims. The invention itself, however, both asto itsconstruction and itsmethod of operation, together with additionalobjects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from-thefollowing description of specific embodiments when read in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which: 1

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a portion ofanassembling apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 1a is a fragmentary elevation illustrating a part of FIG. 1 onelarger scale and during an operation;

FIG. 2a is a fragmentary perspective front view of another portion ofthe assembler apparatus ShOWIlllll FIG. 1;'

FIG. 2b is a fragmentary perspective rear view illustrating thestructure of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary schematic side view illustrating a detail ofFIGS. 2a and 2b; 7

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating another portion ofthe assembling apparatus;

FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating a detail of FIG. 4 on alarger scale; and

FIG. 4b is a side elevation illustrating the magazines for-supplyingmatrices to the assembling apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention is an improve ment of i aLinotype linecasting machine whose construction is described in detailin the oflicial manual of the Mergenthaler Linotype Co., Brooklyn, NewYork, on titled Linotype Machine Principles, published 1940. Standardelements which areonly schematically and partly shown in FIG. 1, areillustrated in detail in Fig. 1-5, Fig. 2-5, Fig. 4-5, Fig. 5-5, andFig. 1-7 found in chapters 5 and 7 of the manual.

Refer-ring now to FIG. 1, the assembler pulley 2 is driven by theassembler belt 3 on which matrices supplied by chutes, not shown in FIG.1 are transported toward the star wheel 6 betweena pair of assemblerchute rails 4. A segment-shaped portion of pulley .2, and a majorportion of star wheel 6 are located between the chute rails 4, and aguide, not shown in FIG. 1 is located between the guide rails 4 forguiding matrices from the upper run of assembler belt 3 toward the starwheel 6. Fig. 1-5 and Fig. 2-5 of the Linotype manual show this standardconstruction in greater detail.

An assembler slide 7 is guided on a stationary support 1 for movement inan assembling direction, to the left as viewed in FIG. 1, and is urgedin an opposite direction by suitable biassing means, not shown. Theassembler finger 8 is secured to the assembler slide 7 and forms anabutment opposite star wheel 6. As in standard linecasting machines, thestar wheel 6 is driven and rotated to place matrices on the slideportion between the assembler finger 8 and the star wheel so thatsuccessive matrices form a row and'are pressed by the respective lastmatrix transported by star wheel 6 to the left as viewed in FIG. 1against assembler finger 8 so that as-.

sembler slide 7 moves to the left in the assembling direction, while'therow of assembled matrices enters the assembler elevator on the leftofstar wheel 6. The above described apparatus is standard on linecastingmachines.

In accordance with'the present invention, the star wheel 6 has anannular peripheral groove on opposite sides of which the radiallyprojecting points of the star wheel are located. 'An operating member inthe form of a three-armed lever 11 is mounted on support 1 for pivotalmovement about a pivot screw 12 and'has an arm connected by a pivot pinpassing through a slot with the anmature of an electromagnetic means 15which is secured to a bracket 16 onsupport 1. The other arm t 10 ofoperating member which is substantially U-shaped and located in groove 94i 11 has an engaging portion of star wheel 6 between the star wheel andthe assembler finger 8. Upon actuation of electromagnetic means 15,operating member 11 turns in counterclockwise direction so that theengaging portion 10a moves, toward assembler finger 8. If some matricesM and space bands S are already assembled in a row adjacentthe abutmentface of assembler finger 8, as shown in FIG. 1a, the last matrix of therow is engaged by engaging i portion 10a and pushed away from star wheel6 together with assembler finger 8 andslide 7 so that additional spaceis provided for the insertion of the next following matrix, which willbe a large matrix. Consequently, arm 10 and engaging portion 10aconstitute an auxiliary spacing means which is operated when a largematrixis to be assembled. One of the'fingers of the star wheel engagesthe last assembled matrix, and urges the same and the row of assembledmatrices in the assembling direction against the abutment face ofassembler finger 8 so that the same is pushed away and room sufiicientfor 1a regularmatrix is provided on slide 7.

' Control means are provided for actuating electromagnetic means 15 whena large matrix is supplied to the star wheel. FIG. 2a illustratesschematically the upper portion of the keyboard of thelinecastingmachine. The keyboard is ofstandard construction as described in chapter3 and illustrated in Fig. 1-3 of the above referred .to'

Each key constitutes a selector mem- Linotype manual. her. for adifferent matrix ,and controls an actuating IIICITI'. ber 19 guided in asupport 17,the movement of the actuatin-g members being effected byapower tell when the corresponding key is actuated. The actuating members20 of keys associated with regular matrices are short straight rodswhich, when actuated to move upward, engage the lower ends, ofcorresponding long key rods 22 by which the release of a matrix from acorresponding magazineis effected. V

In accordance with the present invention actuating members 21 controlledby keys associated with larger. C matrices, have horizontal projectionsat the upper end' thereof cooperating with an elongated plate which ismounted for pivotal movement on the frame 24, as best seen in FIG. 3.rods 22, as best seen in FIG. 2b and along all actuating members 19, sothat irrespective where a specialactuating member 21 is positioned, itwill engage plate 26 and pivot the same about axis 29 when therespective key is depressed. A switch means 25 is secured tothe rearface of frame 24 and has an actuating button cooperating with an arm 27secured to plate 26 for turning movement there-, with, and beingconnected to a spring 28 which issecured l to the switch. Spring 28urges arm 27 with plate 26 to a position engaging the actuator button ofswitch. means 25 so' that the'switch is normally open. Howevenwhen a keyassociated with the large matrix isactuatedfand-a correspondingactuating member 21 is raised, the control member 26, 27 is pivoted tothe position shown in FIG. 3 against the action of spring 28, and switchmeans 25 closes automatically. Switch means 25 is connected in serieswith electromagnetic means 15 so that upon actuation of any keyassociated with a large'matrix, switch .25

is closed and connects electromagnetic means 15 to a 7 source of voltageso that electromagnetic. means 15 is g energized and armature 14 isdisplaced to turn operating member 11in counterclockwise direction sothat the. as

sembler finger or already assembled matrices are pushed away from starwheel 6 providing .room for the larger matrix released from thecorresponding magazine-by the which is also raised by action of alongkeyboard rod 22 theraised actuating member 21. e a r The matrixsupply meansof a linecasting machine in- Plate 26 extends across alllong keyboard shown in FIG. 4b, the magazines 50 are pivoted to place aselected magazine opposite a guide chute 51 through which a releasedmatrix of the respective magazine passes. A frame member 52 is connectedto the magazines for angularly displacing the same, and has at the lowerend thereof a pair of bracket arms 36a also shown in FIG. 4. A pivot pin36b connects bracket arms 36a and the movable magazine frame 52 with abar 36 provided at the bottom face thereof with a cam 36c. When themagazines are angularly displaced to place a magazine storing a largematrix opposite the delivery chute 51, bar 36 with the cam 36c thereonis shifted in longitudinal direction. A stationary bracket means 30 onthe frame of the machine carries bearing means 31 on which the journal32 of a lever 33 is mounted. One end of lever 33 is connected by a pinto a connecting rod 38 which is connected by another pivot pin to thecontrol member 40 of an adjustable transmission, illustrated to be apulley and belt drive. When the magazines, bracket arms 36a, and cammeans 36 are displaced, the cam dwell 36c engages a roller 33a at theother end of lever 33 and turns the same so that the transmission ratiois adjusted in accordance with the size of the matrix which is releasedinto the chute. The variable transmission controls the speed of certaindriven machine elements to adapt the same for operation with regular andlarge matrices. This, however, is not an object of the presentinvention.

In accordance with the present invention, a second switch means ismounted on lever 33 and includes two switches. Switch 41 has an actuatorpiece 42 cooperating with hearing member 31. When regular matrices aresupplied, and the magazines are in the corresponding p0si tions, the camdwell 360 of cam means 36 engages roller 33a of lever 33 and turns thesame in a position in which actuator piece 42 is spaced from bearingmember 31 so that the switch is open. However, when the magazines areangularly displaced to a position in which the magazine storing largematrices is located opposite the delivery chute 51 to the star wheel,the dwell 360 of cam means 36 moves away from lever 33 which is turnedby a spring, not shown, to a position in which actuator piece 42 engagesbearing member 31 and closes switch 41. When a magazine for regularmatrices is again used, cam means 36 turns lever 33 in the direction ofthe arrow so that connecting rod 38 also moves in the direction of thearrow to adjust the transmission to a greater speed.

In accordance with the present invention, switch 41 is connected inseries with switch 25 and with electromagnetic means 15.

Consequently, closing of switch 25 by manual operation of a key will notenergize electromagnetic means 15, unless the magazines have assumed aposition in which a large matrix is supplied to the star wheel. Switch41 prepares the circuit for the closing of switch 25.

When a key associated with a large matrix is actuated, and the magazinesare in the correct position for the supply of the large matrix so thatswitch 41 is closed, raising of an actuating member 21 will pivot plate26 so that switch 25 is closed and electromagnetic means 15 isenergized. Operating member 11 turns counterclockwise, and engagingportion a engages the last assembled matrix,

or the abutment face of assembler finger 8 if no matrix is yetassembled, and urges finger 8 to the left as viewed in FIG. 1 forproviding sufficient space for a large matrix. The operation iscontinued until the row of assembled matrices corresponds to ajustifiable line of matrices, and during the assembly of the row, slide7 is moved to the left into the assembler elevator.

From the above description it becomes apparent that operating means 10to 15 causemovement of slide 7 in the assembling direction sinceengaging portion 10a exerts pressure on the assembled matrices and onthe abutment constituted by assembler finger 8. The star wheel 6constitutes a transporting means which successively assembles 6 matriceson a portion of the slide located between the star wheel and assemblerfinger 8.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, may also find a useful application in other types oflinecasting machines difiering from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in anassembling apparatus for assembling large matrices on the assemblerslide of a linecasting machine, it is not intended to be limited to thedetails shown, since various modifications and structural changes may bemade without departing in' any way from the spirit of the presentinvention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can by applying current knowledgereadily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this inventionand, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving inan assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portionof said assembler slide is located between said abutment and saidtransporting means, said transporting means being driven to successivelyassemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending insaid assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in saidassembling direction distances corresponding to the thickness of regularmatrices by the pressure exerted by said transporting means through theassembled matrices on said abutment; and auxiliary spacing meansoperable for moving said abutment in said assembling direction a greaterdistance corresponding to the thickness of a comparatively large matrixso that said abutment is moved away from said transporting means forproviding additional space for large matrices.

2. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an assembler finger and beingmounted for moving in an assembling direction; means biassing saidassembler slide to move opposite to said assembling direction;transporting star wheel means disposed so that a portion of saidassembler slide is located between said assembler finger and saidtransporting star wheel means, said transporting star wheel means beingdriven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slidein a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise movesaid abutment in said assembling direction distances corresponding tothe thickness of regular matrices by the pressure exerted by said starwheel through the assembled matrices on said assembler finger; andauxiliary spacing means operable to exert pressure on the last assembledmatrix of said row for moving said slide in said assembling direction agreater distance corresponding to the thickness of a comparatively largematrix so that said assembler finger is moved away from saidtransporting star wheel means for providing additional space for largematrices.

3. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving inan assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portionof said assembler slide is located between said abutment and saidtransporting means, said transporting means being driven to successivelyassemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending insaid assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in saidassembling direction distanees 'corresponding to the thickness ofregular matrices by said transporting means through the pres sureexerted by the assembled matrices on said abut- V ment; and operatingmeans including an auxiliaryspacing memberhaving an engaging portionlocated between said transporting means and said abutment,and drivemeans for moving said engaging portion in said assembling direction forengaging the last assembled matrix so that said abutment and assembledmatrices are moved away from said transporting means with said slide agreater distance corresponding to the thickness of a comparatively largematrix for providing additional space for large matrices.

4. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an assembler finger and beingmounted for moving in an assembling direction; means biasing saidassembler slide to move opposite to said assembling direction;transporting star wheel means disposed so that a portion of saidassembler slide is located between said assembler finger and saidtransporting star wheelmeans, said transportingstar wheel means beingdriven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slidein a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise movesaid abutment in said assembling direction dis tances corresponding tothe thickness of regular matrices by the pressure exerted by said starwheel through the assembled matrices on said assembler finger; andoperating means including an auxiliary spacing member mounted forturning movement about a stationary axis and having an engaging portionlocated between said star wheel means and said assembler finger, anddrive means. for rocking said member so that said engaging portionengages'the last assembled matrix for moving said assembler finger withsaid slide and assembled matrices a greater distance corresponding tothe thickness of va comparatively large matrix away from said star wheelmeans for providing additional'space for large matrices.

5. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an as sembler finger and beingmounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting star wheelmeans disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is locatedbetween said assembler finger and said transporting star wheel means,said transporting star. wheel means being driven to successivelyassemble matrices'onsaid portion of said slide in a row extending insaid assembling direction so that said slide is moved in said assemblingdirection by the pressure exerted by the assembled matrices on saidassembler finger, said star wheel means having an annular peripheralgroove and points radially projecting from opposite sides of saidgroove; and op-. erating means including a member mounted for turningmovement about a stationary axis and having an engaging portion normallylocated in said groove between said star wheel means and said assemblerfinger, and drive means for rocking said member so that said engagingportion engages the last assembled matrix for mov-" ing said assemblerfinger with said slide and assembled matrices away from said star wheelmeans for providing additional space for large matrices.

6. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving inan assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portionof said assembler. slide is located between said abutment and saidtransporting means, said transporting means being driven to successivelyassemble matrices on said portion of said slide. in a row extending insaid assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in saidassembling direction distances corresponding to the thickness of regularmatrices by the pressure exerted by said transporting means through theassembled matrices on said abutment; and an auxiliary spacing meansincluding .a movable. member having an engaging portion'located betweensaid transporting means and said abutment,

move opposite to said assembling direction; transporting.

star wheel means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide islocated between said assembler finger. and said transporting star wheelmeans, said transporting star wheel means being driven to successivelyassemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending insaid assembling direction and to stepwise move said abut ment in saidassembling direction distances corresponding to the thickness of regularmatrices by the pressure exerted by said star wheel through theassembled matrices on said assembler finger; and operating meansincluding an auxiliary spacing member mounted for turning movement abouta stationary axis and having an engaging portion located between saidstar wheel means and said assembler finger, and electromagnetic meansforrocking. said member so that said engaging portion engages thelastassembled matrixfor moving said assembler finger with said slide andassembled matrices a greater distance corresponding to the thickness ofa comparatively large matrix away from said star wheel meansforproviding additional space for large matrices.

8. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving inan assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portionof said assembler slide is located between said abutment and saidtransporting means, said transporting means being driven to successivelyassemble matriceson said portion of said slide in a-row extending insaid assembling direction so that said abutment is moved in saidassembling direction by the pressure exerted by the assembled matriceson said abutment; operating means for moving said abutment in saidassembling direction so thatsaid abutment ismoved away from saidtransporting meansfor providing additional space for large matrices; andmeans for controlling the supply of matrices to said transporting meansand including selector members associated with large matrices. andcausing the supply of large, matrices to said trans-.

porting means, when actuated, said selector members belng operativelyconnected to said operating means for actuatlng the same to engage andmove said. abutment;

9.In a linecasting machine, in combination, assemblingapparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted formoving in an assembling direction; transportingmeans disposed so thataportion of said assembler slide is located between said abutment andsaid transporting means, said transporting means being driven tosuccessively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a rowextending in said assembling ,direc tion so that said slide is moved insaid assembling direction by the pressure exerted by the assembledmatrices: on said abutmentjoperating means including a movable. memberhaving an engaging portion located between said transporting meansandsaid abutment, and drive means for moving said engaging portion in saidassembling di- ''rection for engaging the last assembled matrix so thatsaid abutment and assembled matrices are moved away from saidtransporting means with said slide. for provid= ing additional space forlarge matrices; and meansfor controlling the supply of matrices to saidtransporting means and including selector members associated withlargematrices and causing the supply'of large matrices to saidtransporting means, when actuated, said selector 91 members beingoperatively connected to said drive means for actuating the same toengage and move said slide.

10. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assem' bling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an assembler finger and beingmounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting star wheelmeans disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is locatedbetween said assembler finger and said transporting star wheel means,said transporting star wheel means being driven to successively assemblematrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in saidassembling direction so that said slide is moved in said assemblingdirection by the pressure exerted by the assembled matrices on saidassembler finger, said star wheel means having an annular peripheralgroove and points radially projecting from opposite sides of saidgroove; and operating means including a member mounted for turningmovement about a stationary axis and having an engaging portion normallylocated in said groove between said star wheel means and said assemblerfinger, and drive means for rocking said member so that said engagingportion engages the last assembled matrix for moving said assemblerfinger with said slide and assembled matrices away from said star wheelmeans for providing additional space for large matrices; and means forcontrolling the supply of matrices to said transporting means andincluding manually operated keys associated with large matricesandcausing the supply of large matrices to said transporting means, whenactuated, said keys being operatively connected to said drive means foractuating the same to engage and move said slide.

11. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having anassembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement inan assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move inan opposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on saidsupport means for turning movement and disposed in the region of saidassembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between saidassembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regularand large matrices to said star wheel so that matrices are successivelyassembled by said star wheel on said portion of said assembler slide ina row growing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide ismoved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on saidassembler finger by the assembled matrices; operating means including anoperating member mounted for movement on said supporting means andhaving an engaging portion, and electromagnetic means connected to saidoperating member for moving the same between an inoperative position andan actuating position in which said engaging portion moves saidassembler finger away from said star wheel in said assembling directiona dis tance sufiicient for providing additional space for largematrices; and means for controlling said supply means to supply largematrices to said star wheel and including switch means associated withlarge matrices and electrically conneoted with said electromagneticmeans for actuating the same to move said operating member to saidactuating position.

12. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having anassembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement inan assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move inan opposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on saidsupport means for turning movement and disposed in the region of saidassembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between saidassembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regularand large matrices to said star wheel so that matrices are successivelyassembled by said star wheel on said portion of said assembler slide ina row growing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide-ismoved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on saidassembler finger by the assembled matrices; operating means including anoperating member mounted for turning movement on said supporting meansand having an engaging portion located between said star wheel and saidassembler finger, and electromagnetic means connected to said operatingmember for turning the same between an inoperative position and anactuating position in which said engaging portion engages said assemblerfinger or the last assembled matrix and moves said assembler finger andassembled matrices away from said star wheel in said assemblingdirection a distance suflicient for providing additional space for largematrices; and means for controlling said supply means to supply largematrices to said star wheel and including switch means associated withlarge matrices and electrically connected with said electromagneticmeans for actuating the same to move saidoperating member to saidactuating position.

13. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having anassembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement inan assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move inan opposite direction; a driven rotary star Wheel mounted on saidsupport means for turning movement and disposed in the region of saidassembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between saidassembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regularand large matrices to said star wheel so that matrices are successivelyassembled by said star wheel on said portion of said assembler slide ina row growing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide ismoved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on saidassembler finger by the assembled matrices; operating means including anope-rating member mounted for turning movement on said supporting meansand having an engaging portion located between said star wheel and saidassemble-r finger, and electromagnetic means connected to said operatingmember for turning the same between an inoperative position and anactuating position in which said engaging portion engages said assemblerfinger or the last assembled matrix and moves said assembler finger andassembled matrices away from said star wheel in said assemblingdirection a distance sutficient for providing additional space for largematrices; and means for controlling said supply means to supply largematrices to said star wheel and including manually operated keysassociated with large matrices and causing the supply of large matricesto said star wheel, when actuated, and switch means operated by saidkeys and electrically connected into the circuit of said electromagneticmeans for actuating the same to move said op-. erating member to saidactuating position.

14. An apparatus as set forth in'claim 13 wherein said keys are providedin a keyboard, and including other keys in said keyboard associated withregular matrices; a row of actuating members respectively operated bysaid keys, and connected to said supply means for actuating the same;and a switch control member extending along said row of actuatingmembers and operated by said actuating members associated with said keysof said large matrices to actuate said switch means.

15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said actuatingmembers and said switches are located above said keyboard.

16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein said supply meansincludes a plurality of magazines, some of said magazines being adaptedto store regular matrices and other magazines being adapted to storelarge matrices, said magazines being movable so that in dilferentpositions of said magazines, regular .or large matrices are supplied tosaid star Wheel; a cam means connected to said magazines and moved bythe same; cam follower means operated by said cam means, and

second switch means connected into the circuit of said ond switch meansis connected in series with said firstswitch means.

18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein said second switchmeans is mounted on said cam fol lower means for movement therewith; anda stationary abutment cooperating with said second switch means foractuating the same.

19. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having anassembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement inan assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move inan opposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on saidsupport means for turning movement and disposed in the region of saidassembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between saidassembler finger and said star wheel, said star wheel having an annularperipheral groove; supply means for supplying regular and large matricesto said star wheel so that matrices are successively assembled by saidstar wheel on said portion of said assembler slide in a row growing insaid opposite direction so that said assembler slide is moved in saidassembling direction by the pressure exerted on said assembler. fingerby the' assembled matrices; operating means including an operatingmember mounted for turning movement on said supporting means and havingan engaging portion located between said star Wheel and said assemblerfinger, and electromagnetic means connected to said operating membersfor turning the same between an inoperative position located insaidgroove and an actuating position in which said engaging portionengages said assembler finger or the last assembled matrix and movessaid assembler finger and assembled matrices away from said star wheelin said assembling direction a distance sufiicient for providingadditional space for large matrices; and means for controlling saidsupply means to supply large matrices to said star wheel and includingmanually operated keys associated with large matrices and causing thesupply of large matrices to said star wheel, when actuated, and switchmeans operated by said keys and electrically connected into the circuitof said electromagnetic means for actuating the same to move saidoperating member to said actuating position.

20. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assemblingapparatuscomprising stationary support means;

an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being 'mounted on saidsupport means for movement in an as.

sembling directibmgmeans biasing said assembler slide to move in anopposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on saidsupportmeans for turning movement and disposed in the region of saidassembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between said,assembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regularand large matrices to said star wheel so that,

matrices are successively assembled by said star wheel 'on said portionof said assembler slide in a rowgrowing in said opposite direction sothat said assembler slide is moved in said assembling direction by thepressure exerted on said assembler finger by the assembled matrices,said supply means including a movable. member assuming difierentpositions when regular and large matrices are supplied by said, supplymeans; operating means including an operating member mounted for turn:

ing movement on said supporting means and having an 7 engaging portionlocated between said star wheel and said assembler finger, andelectromagnetic means connected to said operating member for turning thesame between an inoperative position and an actuating position Einwhich, saideng'aging portion engages said assembler fin-, ger or thelast assembled matrix and moves said assembler finger and assembledmatrices away from saidstar wheel in said assembling direction adistance suflicient for providing additional space for large matrices;means for controlling said supply means to supply large matrices to saidstar wheel and including manually operated keys associated with largematrices and causing the supply of large matrices to said star wheel,when actuated, and switch means operated by said keys and electricallyconnected into the circuit of said electromagnetic means for actuatingthe same to move said operating member to said actuating position; and asecond switch means con nected into the circuit vof said first mentionedswitch means and said electromagnetic means and actuated by said movablemember of said supply means in the position associated with said largematrices to prepare the 1 circuit of said electromagnetic means untilthe circuit is closed by said first mentioned switch means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,160,359 11/1915Applegate 199-30 2,693,270 11/1954 Rossetto 199-27 3,040,876 6/1962Abbott 199-27 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

DAVID KLEIN, Examiner. WILLIAM MCCARTHY, Assistant Examiner.

1. IN A LINECASTING MACHINE, IN COMBINATION, ASSEMBLING APPARATUSCOMPRISING AN ASSEMBLER SLIDE HAVING AN ABUTMENT MOUNTED FOR MOVING INAN ASSEMBLING DIRECTION; TRANSPORTING MEANS DISPOSED SO THAT A PORTIONOF SAID ASSEMBLER SLIDE IS LOCATED BETWEEN SAID ABUTMENT AND SAIDTRANSPORTING MEANS, SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS BEING DRIVEN TO SUCCESSIVELYASSEMBLE MATRICES ON SAID PORTION OF SAID SLIDE IN A ROW EXTENDING INSAID ASSEMBLING DIRECTION AND A STEPWISE MOVE SAID ABUTMENT IN SAIDASSEMBLING DIRECTION DISTANCES CORRESPONDING TO THE THICKNESS OF REGULARMATRICES BY THE PRESSURE EXERTED BY SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS THROUGH THEASSEMBLED MATRICES ON SAID ABUTMENT; AND AUXILIARY SPACING MEANSOPERABLE FOR MOVING SAID ABUTMENT IN SAID ASSEMBLING DIRECTION A GREATERDISTANCE CORRESPONDING TO THE THICKNESS OF A COMPARATIVELY LARGE MATRIXSO THAT SAID ABUTMENT IS MOVED AWAY FROM SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS FORPROVIDING ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR LARGE MATRICES.